Posts
Learning Real Love-Taoism through Suffering
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Happy April!:) A touch early, but it arrives tomorrow!:)
I am so delighted that this world, with its donkeygifts, has "driven" you towards two directions at once-- greater compassion, and total reliance on [the Goddess of Love,] Aphrodite. For these are the two best gifts in the universe. And there is no better way to teach them than to put the donkey in "danger," or, as you imply, in serious uncertainty.
Any kind of suffering, although we would rather see our friends avoid this aspect of life, teaches and increases compassion. She who suffers little often loves little, not because she is unkind, but because she is unaware, almost oblivious. There is no finer teacher than personal suffering. If we take it "to heart," and carefully examine it, suffering gives us many positive gifts-- but none better than these two (releasing control and loving others more deeply), without which we cannot become
"spiritual adults."
That is why good people have always suffered, often for others, often for the karma of the whole world. (This is a major theme, and cannot be overlooked, in the life of Jesus, as well as of Francis and many other saintmystics and sages.)
This is the universe's way of saying, "Welcome to the human race." It is a real initiation into deeper, and much brighter, spirituality. It aids us to practice Love-Taoism-- the real thing, not just words. For no one follows Tao more, or more sincerely, than she who has given up, abandoned, all desires to "control, all hopes of control." She has truly turned her life over to the higher Power of Love, trusting that Love can and will move in her without her interference. We do not, she finally realizes, make Love happen; we can only permit It.
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
God's Bottomless, immeasurable Love
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At Love Ministries of India, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and the USA, we have only one mission-- to publicize and teach the infinite Love of God, which saves through wonderful grace. Please try to make sure that all people are exposed to this glorious message: People are saved only because of the greatness of the Love of God, not because of "works."
This Love is infinite and bottomless, and the heart of God contains a galaxy of Love, immeasurable and limitless. To say that there exist a sin greater than God's Love is blasphemy. For God's Love is the greatest, most immense, vast Power in the universe.
Jesus told us to forgive seventy times seven; God's Love is greater. All our sins are forgiven, allowing us to live through grace.
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At Love Ministries of India, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and the USA, we have only one mission-- to publicize and teach the infinite Love of God, which saves through wonderful grace. Please try to make sure that all people are exposed to this glorious message: People are saved only because of the greatness of the Love of God, not because of "works."
This Love is infinite and bottomless, and the heart of God contains a galaxy of Love, immeasurable and limitless. To say that there exist a sin greater than God's Love is blasphemy. For God's Love is the greatest, most immense, vast Power in the universe.
Jesus told us to forgive seventy times seven; God's Love is greater. All our sins are forgiven, allowing us to live through grace.
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Love is the Beginning
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The path of truth in spirituality begins with the discovery of interior Love. So, try to find someone or something that needs your Love. (Our little planet is starving for Love, so this should be relatively easy.)
Every creature-- every dog, cat, llama, camel, elephant, horse, and every human being-- needs Love. Love is where the Journey to the interior Spirit always finds its beginning, and Its end.
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The path of truth in spirituality begins with the discovery of interior Love. So, try to find someone or something that needs your Love. (Our little planet is starving for Love, so this should be relatively easy.)
Every creature-- every dog, cat, llama, camel, elephant, horse, and every human being-- needs Love. Love is where the Journey to the interior Spirit always finds its beginning, and Its end.
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Men's Brains and Women's Brains
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Despite differing neurocircuitry between the brains of males and those of females, I hold to the standard psychological view that "men are from earth, and women are from earth." Exactly when this became "radical" appeared after the "men from Mars" and "women from Venus" syndrome. This divisive perspective infected seriously and deeply the entire culture, society, and community, despite its falsehood, for it was catchy and pseudo-clever.
It did succinctly state that there are differences, but simply (often, terribly) overstated the case. It reinforced unhealthy sexism on both sides, and its effect was catastrophic. The sexes stopped talking, and often, even stopped wanting to talk. There was a kind of "destinarian" giving up on intersex communication. This was extremely unhealthy, and very damaging, as it posited major and irrevocable differences between male and female brains.
The truth, both physiologically and anatomically, is that our brains share much more in common than their real and important differences. (We are, after all, the same species.)
My brain, for one, does not work with a million little "boxes" at all-- despite the fact that the male brain is "supposed" to work this way. Like the "female" brain, I am capable of making millions of interconnections; indeed, I believe that everything is interconnected. Does that make me "female"?
I don't think so, for I find the female of the species too enjoyable, indeed, too captivating. Their yin polarity is superattractive to my own yang. This is indeed how nature has created all of us, and I find it not only comfortable, but highly enjoyable.
Mysticism itself, as a philosophy, is the first to confirm and support the "all is interconnected" worldview. This does not make mysticism "female," even though very much in it leans in that direction. (Mystics are often more comfortable with a "Goddess" than a traditional "god," for example.)
As long as one is processing through "boxes," whether she/he be male or female, that person is cut off from the vital Flow or Tao of the universe. She has missed her Christnature (Buddhanature) entirely, and is lost in illusion.
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Despite differing neurocircuitry between the brains of males and those of females, I hold to the standard psychological view that "men are from earth, and women are from earth." Exactly when this became "radical" appeared after the "men from Mars" and "women from Venus" syndrome. This divisive perspective infected seriously and deeply the entire culture, society, and community, despite its falsehood, for it was catchy and pseudo-clever.
It did succinctly state that there are differences, but simply (often, terribly) overstated the case. It reinforced unhealthy sexism on both sides, and its effect was catastrophic. The sexes stopped talking, and often, even stopped wanting to talk. There was a kind of "destinarian" giving up on intersex communication. This was extremely unhealthy, and very damaging, as it posited major and irrevocable differences between male and female brains.
The truth, both physiologically and anatomically, is that our brains share much more in common than their real and important differences. (We are, after all, the same species.)
My brain, for one, does not work with a million little "boxes" at all-- despite the fact that the male brain is "supposed" to work this way. Like the "female" brain, I am capable of making millions of interconnections; indeed, I believe that everything is interconnected. Does that make me "female"?
I don't think so, for I find the female of the species too enjoyable, indeed, too captivating. Their yin polarity is superattractive to my own yang. This is indeed how nature has created all of us, and I find it not only comfortable, but highly enjoyable.
Mysticism itself, as a philosophy, is the first to confirm and support the "all is interconnected" worldview. This does not make mysticism "female," even though very much in it leans in that direction. (Mystics are often more comfortable with a "Goddess" than a traditional "god," for example.)
As long as one is processing through "boxes," whether she/he be male or female, that person is cut off from the vital Flow or Tao of the universe. She has missed her Christnature (Buddhanature) entirely, and is lost in illusion.
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Intro to Love
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When we give Love, we demand nothing in return. Love is its own delight and its own reward: Each time that we love, we are rewarded immediately; a burst of healing energy rushes throughout the brainbody system. This is often subtle, even undetectable; but these add up and, in time, bring the mind, body, and Soul into harmony. For Love is what we were created to do, and it simply does not matter how people respond.
Jesus taught Love and ended up on a cross; other lovers of humanity have been persecuted and even driven away from their communities. Love is almost never rewarded by the "lower" nature of the earthly senses, or by the "material" world; its blessings are all internal, personal, and spiritual. Love is always the right path, the correct response, to any situation.
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When we give Love, we demand nothing in return. Love is its own delight and its own reward: Each time that we love, we are rewarded immediately; a burst of healing energy rushes throughout the brainbody system. This is often subtle, even undetectable; but these add up and, in time, bring the mind, body, and Soul into harmony. For Love is what we were created to do, and it simply does not matter how people respond.
Jesus taught Love and ended up on a cross; other lovers of humanity have been persecuted and even driven away from their communities. Love is almost never rewarded by the "lower" nature of the earthly senses, or by the "material" world; its blessings are all internal, personal, and spiritual. Love is always the right path, the correct response, to any situation.
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Sunday, March 29, 2009
Pretty Good Idea
Thanks to Barbara Baty.
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"Members of Congress should be compelled to wear uniforms just like NASCAR drivers, so we could identify their Corporate Sponsors."
-- Unknown
Great Idea!
Thanks to Christine Finer.
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This was an article from the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper on Sunday. The "Business Section" asked readers for ideas on, "How Would You Fix the Economy?"
"Dear Mr. President:
Patriotic retirement: There's about 40 million people over 50 in the work force; pay them $1 million apiece severance with stipulations:
1) They leave their jobs. Forty million job openings -- Unemployment fixed.
2) They buy NEW American cars. Forty million cars ordered -- Auto Industry fixed.
3) They either buy a house or pay off their mortgage -- Housing Crisis fixed.
Much cheaper than the trillions being ineffectively spent on the financial industry.
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Myopically Misled by Appearances
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Thanks to Barbara Baty.
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A lady in a faded gingham dress and her husband, dressed in a homespun threadbare suit, stepped off the train in Boston, and walked timidly without an appointment in to the Harvard University President's outer office.
The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve to be in Cambridge.
"We'd like to see the president," the man said softly.
"He'll be busy all day," the secretary snapped.
"We'll wait," the lady replied.
For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away. They didn't, and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president, even though it was a chore she always regretted.
"Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave," she said to him!
He sighed in exasperation and nodded. Someone of his importance obviously didn't have the time to spend with them, and he detested gingham dresses and homespun suits cluttering up his outer office.
The president, stern faced and with dignity, strutted to ward the couple.
The lady told him, "We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was happy here. But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus."
The president wasn't touched. He was shocked. "Madam," he said, gruffly, "we can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery."
"Oh, no," the lady began quickly. "We don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard."
The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, then exclaimed, "A building! Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard."
For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. Maybe he could get rid of them now. The lady turned to her husband and said quietly, "Is that all it costs to start a university? Why don't we just start our own?"
Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment. Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo Alto, California where they established the university that bears their name, Stanford University, a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about.
You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them.
--A TRUE STORY By Malcolm Forbes
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People will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did.
But people will never forget how you made them feel!
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Thanks to Barbara Baty.
***
A lady in a faded gingham dress and her husband, dressed in a homespun threadbare suit, stepped off the train in Boston, and walked timidly without an appointment in to the Harvard University President's outer office.
The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve to be in Cambridge.
"We'd like to see the president," the man said softly.
"He'll be busy all day," the secretary snapped.
"We'll wait," the lady replied.
For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away. They didn't, and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president, even though it was a chore she always regretted.
"Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave," she said to him!
He sighed in exasperation and nodded. Someone of his importance obviously didn't have the time to spend with them, and he detested gingham dresses and homespun suits cluttering up his outer office.
The president, stern faced and with dignity, strutted to ward the couple.
The lady told him, "We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was happy here. But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus."
The president wasn't touched. He was shocked. "Madam," he said, gruffly, "we can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery."
"Oh, no," the lady began quickly. "We don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard."
The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, then exclaimed, "A building! Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard."
For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. Maybe he could get rid of them now. The lady turned to her husband and said quietly, "Is that all it costs to start a university? Why don't we just start our own?"
Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment. Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo Alto, California where they established the university that bears their name, Stanford University, a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about.
You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them.
--A TRUE STORY By Malcolm Forbes
***
People will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did.
But people will never forget how you made them feel!
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Friday, March 27, 2009
Medicine, Healing, and Love
How right you are about my Soulmate, who has made this life far better than we could or would have ever predicted!:) She is gentle cool clear water on a planet that is so often a harsh superheated desert.:)
Re the transplant, we have come to cease expecting anything from the docs, who almost never communicate "from on high;" and their nurses are useless when it comes to information re the timing of the transplant, guarding any with their lives as a "deep, dark secret." This is ludicrous to absurd. So, we have come to expect precisely nothing from either group; when it is convenient for them, they might let us know; just hope that we have time to prep and pack!:)
There is little to no empathy in the entire system of modern medicine; the whole interaction has been computers speaking "digitese" to other computers; hardly a human communication has occurred. In fact, I have received not a single email message from any doctor or any nurse from thebeginning.
This proves how far medicine has drifted from healing; for, in healing, the human aspect, especially the alleviation of suffering, is always in the top one percent of cares; in this ultratechnical system, the human element is eradicated as far as possible. No wonder that they are planning to use robots for surgery; that will rid the system of its last technical imperfection-- human input. Medicine, already frosty and snowy, just gets colder.
You are right on target, by the way, in your hard-earned lesson that there are people to whom you can give Love, and those to whom you cannot. To find those "hungry" and "thirsty" for Love-- in both its giving and receiving-- is truly a blessing. But trying to love Martha [pseudonym] and her ilk is a spectacular waste of timenergy, and of even life itself. For she still has very much growing to do, and it is not likely that she can accomplish this during one little lifetime.
So, to sum up, we are where we began: in the dark. But we have promised the Spirit that we will attempt an honestly Taoist attitude towards this entire matter of the transplant: Just trust and wait, not fret, worry, or manipulate. And the reward has been increased peace.:)
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Re the transplant, we have come to cease expecting anything from the docs, who almost never communicate "from on high;" and their nurses are useless when it comes to information re the timing of the transplant, guarding any with their lives as a "deep, dark secret." This is ludicrous to absurd. So, we have come to expect precisely nothing from either group; when it is convenient for them, they might let us know; just hope that we have time to prep and pack!:)
There is little to no empathy in the entire system of modern medicine; the whole interaction has been computers speaking "digitese" to other computers; hardly a human communication has occurred. In fact, I have received not a single email message from any doctor or any nurse from thebeginning.
This proves how far medicine has drifted from healing; for, in healing, the human aspect, especially the alleviation of suffering, is always in the top one percent of cares; in this ultratechnical system, the human element is eradicated as far as possible. No wonder that they are planning to use robots for surgery; that will rid the system of its last technical imperfection-- human input. Medicine, already frosty and snowy, just gets colder.
You are right on target, by the way, in your hard-earned lesson that there are people to whom you can give Love, and those to whom you cannot. To find those "hungry" and "thirsty" for Love-- in both its giving and receiving-- is truly a blessing. But trying to love Martha [pseudonym] and her ilk is a spectacular waste of timenergy, and of even life itself. For she still has very much growing to do, and it is not likely that she can accomplish this during one little lifetime.
So, to sum up, we are where we began: in the dark. But we have promised the Spirit that we will attempt an honestly Taoist attitude towards this entire matter of the transplant: Just trust and wait, not fret, worry, or manipulate. And the reward has been increased peace.:)
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Movie Review: "Something the Lord Made"
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This movie (2004) sounds as if it has a religious theme, but it does not. Instead, it is thoroughly sociospiritual, defending equal opportunity for all. It is the dramatic story of an African American doctor (Vivian Thomas) who was born with the creative genius to understand the depths of medicine. Originally a carpenter, he aided a caucasian physician to perform the first heart-surgery. The caucasian doc got all the credit-- no surprise in the old days of bigotry and ignorance. (Until then, surgeons were prohibited from ever touching the
heart.)
This is the story of how this brilliant man was ignored, neglected, even abused, in the United States because of his race. The story is not a blast of excitement; in some areas, it feels almost like a documentary.
But it tells a story that badly, desperately needs to be told, of how society often ruined itself by ruining the lives, or preventing the educational development, of minority-persons. Due to this blind and ignorant pressure, any number of good, even great, minds went to waste. The hero of the movie, Vivian Thomas, was the exception. After years of hard and even genius-level work, he was rejected by several minority universities; and too little, too late, he was finally granted a
doctorate from Johns-Hopkins, which his life and discoveries greatly benefited.
This movie is a reminder that, no matter how humble a beginning, a Soul has a history that might grant it genius, or gifts, in many areas. We should never take any person, any Soul, for granted. Each should be given an equal chance to participate in, and give to, the Whole.
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This movie (2004) sounds as if it has a religious theme, but it does not. Instead, it is thoroughly sociospiritual, defending equal opportunity for all. It is the dramatic story of an African American doctor (Vivian Thomas) who was born with the creative genius to understand the depths of medicine. Originally a carpenter, he aided a caucasian physician to perform the first heart-surgery. The caucasian doc got all the credit-- no surprise in the old days of bigotry and ignorance. (Until then, surgeons were prohibited from ever touching the
heart.)
This is the story of how this brilliant man was ignored, neglected, even abused, in the United States because of his race. The story is not a blast of excitement; in some areas, it feels almost like a documentary.
But it tells a story that badly, desperately needs to be told, of how society often ruined itself by ruining the lives, or preventing the educational development, of minority-persons. Due to this blind and ignorant pressure, any number of good, even great, minds went to waste. The hero of the movie, Vivian Thomas, was the exception. After years of hard and even genius-level work, he was rejected by several minority universities; and too little, too late, he was finally granted a
doctorate from Johns-Hopkins, which his life and discoveries greatly benefited.
This movie is a reminder that, no matter how humble a beginning, a Soul has a history that might grant it genius, or gifts, in many areas. We should never take any person, any Soul, for granted. Each should be given an equal chance to participate in, and give to, the Whole.
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Wednesday, March 11, 2009
TV Review: "Millennium"
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This one-hour series was produced, not surprisingly, near the Millennium's beginning, from about 1998-2000. It is probably too intense for the sensitive, as it takes a scorpionic look into the twisted minds and motives of killers.
In one episode, the audience is encouraged to think about a most important subject: Does a person have the "right to die" in dignity rather than suffer through years of pain and agony? Even more to the point, does any doc have the right to assist a person to leave this world?
The star of the series, the character called Frank Black, comes down on the side of the establishment. Frank is a profiler for the fbi, and uses his psychic gifts to fill in the blank areas. The "criminal" in this case is a former doctor, a young African American blessed with a beautiful and wonderful vision of the eternity of life, and its continuity after death into other "planes." He is filled with both
compassion and faith, but these spiritual powers are being abused; he is interfering with the rights that others-- several old and suffering people-- have to make their own life-and-death decisions.
But as noble as his motives might be, Frank correctly points out that his actions, in helping people to find blessed release from this world, are legally (and morally) "murder." When a cop refers to this doc as "a saint," Frank replies, "Or worse."
Although of course, everyone must leave this planet, this must always be a personal decision; it must never be made by one person for another. This is, in fact, the one datum that transforms the otherwise beautiful and loving act into murder: Some of the older people whom the doc tries to "help," although in great pain, might not be ready or willing to leave, for whatever reasons. And they are given this right by the universe.
Like this doc, many of us share strong feelings about the "right to die with dignity." Still, we must never impose these feelings upon others; no one has that right. This activity is often called "playing God," and it is ironic, for it is actually God (Love) "playing human." But, still, the action of intervening and taking another sentient life violates all the rights which any living creature has. It bulldozes over their rights and ignores their value as separate and independent
individuals.
It is therefore immoral, no matter how fine the motivation might be. (In this story, the doc himself suffers from a terminal disease, and clearly wants to take advantage of the option for selfeuthanasia.) This too, is illegal, for our entire culture and society are terrorized by death-- to the point where many will not even discuss the "horrific" subject. This is obviously an unhealthy extreme, as is the other extreme of assuming that anyone has the right to make this intensely personal decision for another.
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This one-hour series was produced, not surprisingly, near the Millennium's beginning, from about 1998-2000. It is probably too intense for the sensitive, as it takes a scorpionic look into the twisted minds and motives of killers.
In one episode, the audience is encouraged to think about a most important subject: Does a person have the "right to die" in dignity rather than suffer through years of pain and agony? Even more to the point, does any doc have the right to assist a person to leave this world?
The star of the series, the character called Frank Black, comes down on the side of the establishment. Frank is a profiler for the fbi, and uses his psychic gifts to fill in the blank areas. The "criminal" in this case is a former doctor, a young African American blessed with a beautiful and wonderful vision of the eternity of life, and its continuity after death into other "planes." He is filled with both
compassion and faith, but these spiritual powers are being abused; he is interfering with the rights that others-- several old and suffering people-- have to make their own life-and-death decisions.
But as noble as his motives might be, Frank correctly points out that his actions, in helping people to find blessed release from this world, are legally (and morally) "murder." When a cop refers to this doc as "a saint," Frank replies, "Or worse."
Although of course, everyone must leave this planet, this must always be a personal decision; it must never be made by one person for another. This is, in fact, the one datum that transforms the otherwise beautiful and loving act into murder: Some of the older people whom the doc tries to "help," although in great pain, might not be ready or willing to leave, for whatever reasons. And they are given this right by the universe.
Like this doc, many of us share strong feelings about the "right to die with dignity." Still, we must never impose these feelings upon others; no one has that right. This activity is often called "playing God," and it is ironic, for it is actually God (Love) "playing human." But, still, the action of intervening and taking another sentient life violates all the rights which any living creature has. It bulldozes over their rights and ignores their value as separate and independent
individuals.
It is therefore immoral, no matter how fine the motivation might be. (In this story, the doc himself suffers from a terminal disease, and clearly wants to take advantage of the option for selfeuthanasia.) This too, is illegal, for our entire culture and society are terrorized by death-- to the point where many will not even discuss the "horrific" subject. This is obviously an unhealthy extreme, as is the other extreme of assuming that anyone has the right to make this intensely personal decision for another.
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TV Review: "The Twilight Zone"
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This series represents true "vintage tv," and was first produced way back in the late 1950's. It was rewritten and refilmed as a series in the mid-1980's. It still contains the very familiar musical refrain, although, in this later edition, it is much more "psychedelic" than the original.
One episode is particularly thoughtprovoking. It concerns a young man named Leonard who earns a fat paycheck by practicing "trance-channeling." In the episode, he has his very first appearance on national tv. Then, astonishingly, he comes into touch with the "real thing," a higher Power in the Unconscious mind that wants to speak through him.
This is completely new to him; it has never happened before. All during his fabulously wealthy career, he has claimed to "channel" a "ten thousand year old warrior," but he has been just pretending (acting). When the real Power does come through, he admits to the audience, which includes many "faithful" followers, that his work has all been fake and phony: He has never "channeled" anything or anyone in his long career. This, as his manager warns in the beginning, ruins them both economically, but Leonard feels more comfortable being authentic than when he was playing a "role." He chooses to live in honesty, and begins, for a radical change, actually to help people. He exposes the whole "channelling" phenomenon as one of sheer desperation; people need to pay to believe that they are being touched by the extraordinary, or even the miraculous. This is a very poor foundation for metaphysics or spirituality.
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This series represents true "vintage tv," and was first produced way back in the late 1950's. It was rewritten and refilmed as a series in the mid-1980's. It still contains the very familiar musical refrain, although, in this later edition, it is much more "psychedelic" than the original.
One episode is particularly thoughtprovoking. It concerns a young man named Leonard who earns a fat paycheck by practicing "trance-channeling." In the episode, he has his very first appearance on national tv. Then, astonishingly, he comes into touch with the "real thing," a higher Power in the Unconscious mind that wants to speak through him.
This is completely new to him; it has never happened before. All during his fabulously wealthy career, he has claimed to "channel" a "ten thousand year old warrior," but he has been just pretending (acting). When the real Power does come through, he admits to the audience, which includes many "faithful" followers, that his work has all been fake and phony: He has never "channeled" anything or anyone in his long career. This, as his manager warns in the beginning, ruins them both economically, but Leonard feels more comfortable being authentic than when he was playing a "role." He chooses to live in honesty, and begins, for a radical change, actually to help people. He exposes the whole "channelling" phenomenon as one of sheer desperation; people need to pay to believe that they are being touched by the extraordinary, or even the miraculous. This is a very poor foundation for metaphysics or spirituality.
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Monday, March 09, 2009
TV Review: "Everybody Loves Raymond"
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In an episode of this half-hour sitcom, a main character, Deborah, complains that her husband Ray is deficient in Lovexpression. He wants to find out why, and asks his father Frank, usually an emotionally cool and distant person, a very study in emotional inexpression. Ray's brother Robert soon joins the conversation, and the family undergoes a very short-lasting (momentary) metamorphosis. Everyone becomes very selfconscious, and deeply embarrassed, but they begin to tell each other
that they love one another.
This is very soon perceived as an extreme embarrassment, and everyone is apologetic and ashamed. Deborah says that she is sorry that she ever brought up the subject, and Frank says that it should never be mentioned again.
This view towards Love, and Lovexpression, is the very root of much of what is wrong with our families, communities, and societies. Why on earth should a person feel embarrassed, ashamed, or selfconscious because she expresses Love towards her loved ones? She should not; instead, she should feel happy and fulfilled; she is doing what she was created to do.
The Baron family, in this episode, treats Love as if it were some obscene secret, to be mentioned only in private, and never acknowledged-- at least, not on a regular basis. This fearbased attitude towards Love is a corrosive that eats away at family unity, loyalty, joy, fun, and general open sharing.
So, as the people of Love, let us embrace the opposite perspective: Let us unashamedly express Love as often, and as openly, as possible. Let us express Love, of many kinds, in as many varieties as we know. Try to tell loved ones that you love them as often as possible. For our tiny planet is starving for Love, and for Lovexpressions.
Let us not be "shamed" into making It a big, dark secret. Love, like charity, to which It is related, begins at home; let us never be ashamed of It, or allow Its expression to make us selfconscious.
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In an episode of this half-hour sitcom, a main character, Deborah, complains that her husband Ray is deficient in Lovexpression. He wants to find out why, and asks his father Frank, usually an emotionally cool and distant person, a very study in emotional inexpression. Ray's brother Robert soon joins the conversation, and the family undergoes a very short-lasting (momentary) metamorphosis. Everyone becomes very selfconscious, and deeply embarrassed, but they begin to tell each other
that they love one another.
This is very soon perceived as an extreme embarrassment, and everyone is apologetic and ashamed. Deborah says that she is sorry that she ever brought up the subject, and Frank says that it should never be mentioned again.
This view towards Love, and Lovexpression, is the very root of much of what is wrong with our families, communities, and societies. Why on earth should a person feel embarrassed, ashamed, or selfconscious because she expresses Love towards her loved ones? She should not; instead, she should feel happy and fulfilled; she is doing what she was created to do.
The Baron family, in this episode, treats Love as if it were some obscene secret, to be mentioned only in private, and never acknowledged-- at least, not on a regular basis. This fearbased attitude towards Love is a corrosive that eats away at family unity, loyalty, joy, fun, and general open sharing.
So, as the people of Love, let us embrace the opposite perspective: Let us unashamedly express Love as often, and as openly, as possible. Let us express Love, of many kinds, in as many varieties as we know. Try to tell loved ones that you love them as often as possible. For our tiny planet is starving for Love, and for Lovexpressions.
Let us not be "shamed" into making It a big, dark secret. Love, like charity, to which It is related, begins at home; let us never be ashamed of It, or allow Its expression to make us selfconscious.
*******
Life, Death, and Love
*******
I do not feel that your son died in pain. If indeed he died from a diabetic coma, that is a very "easy death." It is very much like going to sleep. You should know that I have given this some deep thought at a Soul-level, for it is an "emergency exit" plan for this current body, which is diabetic.
Some would argue that there are no "pleasant" ways to leave the earth. But the fact is, we all must leave at some time. So, the Soul, often before birth, builds into the dna a method for exiting the body when the time is right. Your son's Soul "built into" his body the genetic pattern that allowed a peaceful death. For there are many nightmarish ways to die, and only a few serene ones.
As a spiritual person, I deeply empathize with your pain and suffering; yet I must also remind you, and myself, that death is a major transformation, a new beginning, and the chance for a new life. Death is not the "end" of everything, as some materialists and mechanists claim. (And they have no "proof" of this.)
The ancient mystical classic Bhagavad-Gita says that death is like changing clothes.
We have come to see it as an unmitigated terror and horror precisely because we have fallen very deeply into amnesia. In the Soul's amnesia, which is part of the will of Love, we forget that we are immaterial, nonphysical Souls, and come to regard ourselves as only mechanisms or developed animals. We are much, much more than both. And very much in modern thanatological (death-) studies implies that the mind does indeed, as mystics have always said, survive the body. We literally have tens
of thousands who have returned from death to tell us that Mind continues after death.
Death is not only a "survivable" experience, but an entry into ecstasy and immeasurable joy. And Love is greater than death; the Love-bonds continue between mother and son, as between other relatives and friends. You will see your son again, happy and alive. Meantime, he wants you to live out your fullest and most productive life; he also wants you to find the most joy that you can create in your life on earth.
Earth is a very difficult and challenging school. God says that it is okay, just fine, if we stop believing in Her, or even, for a time, lose all motive to live and to serve. She does not condemn us, and the spark of Love that She creates in our hearts never goes out. It simply waits, with unimaginable patience, to be fanned into a warm flame of expressed Love.
In the shorterm, it might be therapeutic to form special bonds with other people, or other creatures; this is what your son wants for you.
Lovenergy changes forms many times during a life, but It never dies. So, you can take the Love of your beautiful heart, and enrich many lives with it; our poor little planet is starving for Love.
*******
I do not feel that your son died in pain. If indeed he died from a diabetic coma, that is a very "easy death." It is very much like going to sleep. You should know that I have given this some deep thought at a Soul-level, for it is an "emergency exit" plan for this current body, which is diabetic.
Some would argue that there are no "pleasant" ways to leave the earth. But the fact is, we all must leave at some time. So, the Soul, often before birth, builds into the dna a method for exiting the body when the time is right. Your son's Soul "built into" his body the genetic pattern that allowed a peaceful death. For there are many nightmarish ways to die, and only a few serene ones.
As a spiritual person, I deeply empathize with your pain and suffering; yet I must also remind you, and myself, that death is a major transformation, a new beginning, and the chance for a new life. Death is not the "end" of everything, as some materialists and mechanists claim. (And they have no "proof" of this.)
The ancient mystical classic Bhagavad-Gita says that death is like changing clothes.
We have come to see it as an unmitigated terror and horror precisely because we have fallen very deeply into amnesia. In the Soul's amnesia, which is part of the will of Love, we forget that we are immaterial, nonphysical Souls, and come to regard ourselves as only mechanisms or developed animals. We are much, much more than both. And very much in modern thanatological (death-) studies implies that the mind does indeed, as mystics have always said, survive the body. We literally have tens
of thousands who have returned from death to tell us that Mind continues after death.
Death is not only a "survivable" experience, but an entry into ecstasy and immeasurable joy. And Love is greater than death; the Love-bonds continue between mother and son, as between other relatives and friends. You will see your son again, happy and alive. Meantime, he wants you to live out your fullest and most productive life; he also wants you to find the most joy that you can create in your life on earth.
Earth is a very difficult and challenging school. God says that it is okay, just fine, if we stop believing in Her, or even, for a time, lose all motive to live and to serve. She does not condemn us, and the spark of Love that She creates in our hearts never goes out. It simply waits, with unimaginable patience, to be fanned into a warm flame of expressed Love.
In the shorterm, it might be therapeutic to form special bonds with other people, or other creatures; this is what your son wants for you.
Lovenergy changes forms many times during a life, but It never dies. So, you can take the Love of your beautiful heart, and enrich many lives with it; our poor little planet is starving for Love.
*******
Messages to the "Universal Love Digest" (uld)
*******
When we first started the uld ("Universal Love Digest"), it was a completely open forum to which any nut, fanatic, or preacher could send absolutely any message in the world! We received, for example, a lot of stuff damning political parties, predicting the "end of the world," some trying to prove that Christian Science was the "world's only 'right' religion," some recommending the worship of extraterrestrials or "ghosts," and other nonspiritual, even antispiritual, stuff. Some passionately advocated exclusive cults-- excluding all outside their cults. Some of it was even harmful.
So, now it has been arranged that all submissions to the uld pass by this desk at Love Ministries first, as a protective preventative. And, as you know, the uld has a different email address than we (Adamaria and I).
But all of us-- all the readers of the uld-- always appreciate your kind and supportive messages. Anything that is written to uplift, and that contains no "secrets" (private information) or dogmatism might be published, but only if it is made clear that the writer wants to publish it! It is, and never will be, our inclination or intention to publish anything personal., .
But if you do not want any note to end up in the uld, please do not send it to: elovefamily@yahoogroups.com.
Instead, please send all personal messages to:
rmfrancis@juno.com
(Adamaria has a different address, but we are going to consolidate the two services into one.)
*******
When we first started the uld ("Universal Love Digest"), it was a completely open forum to which any nut, fanatic, or preacher could send absolutely any message in the world! We received, for example, a lot of stuff damning political parties, predicting the "end of the world," some trying to prove that Christian Science was the "world's only 'right' religion," some recommending the worship of extraterrestrials or "ghosts," and other nonspiritual, even antispiritual, stuff. Some passionately advocated exclusive cults-- excluding all outside their cults. Some of it was even harmful.
So, now it has been arranged that all submissions to the uld pass by this desk at Love Ministries first, as a protective preventative. And, as you know, the uld has a different email address than we (Adamaria and I).
But all of us-- all the readers of the uld-- always appreciate your kind and supportive messages. Anything that is written to uplift, and that contains no "secrets" (private information) or dogmatism might be published, but only if it is made clear that the writer wants to publish it! It is, and never will be, our inclination or intention to publish anything personal., .
But if you do not want any note to end up in the uld, please do not send it to: elovefamily@yahoogroups.com.
Instead, please send all personal messages to:
rmfrancis@juno.com
(Adamaria has a different address, but we are going to consolidate the two services into one.)
*******
Being "Born Again"
*******
Thanks to Gary Kreme.
***
When Jesus told Nicodemas, "You must be born again," most scholars believe that he was speaking allegorically. To be "born again" is to embrace a new identity.
During the final aspects of her Godly life, the Christian becomes a "mystic." This is a person who realizes that her little mind is actually a part of a much vaster, more immense Mind-- the Mind of God. She then realizes that God is not like the old primitive Jehovah-- that God does not live above the clouds or in a mountain such as Sinai, but lives as the "indwelling Holy Spirit of Love" within her heart.
Mystics, in their writings, call the earthly identity the "ego." This is the name on your birth-certificate and/or driver's license. But, deep within your mind, you are so much more. Jesus came to, among other reasons, show us the Love of a fully enlightened (realized) human being. For he said that he would go forward into death, and then return, demonstrating that death was not the "end," but a phase along the great Way.
He said, The Father and I are one." (Jn. 10:30) But we have no other verses where he said that these words applied to only him. Mystics from all over the world, from every culture and century, believe that, like Jesus, they are also a part of the One, the Mind, Good, which is "truth" or "reality."
God is the vast, immense Mind that dwells at the very Center of all minds, and so, She is aware of whatever passes through any and all minds.
The material universe is a projection, dream, or virtual reality projected by this Mind. Therefore, nothing in the "material" world is absolutely "real." This is indicated by how material things always change, or fall apart (returning to dust), or both.
Only Mind is real. This means that all sentient (selfaware) beings are also real, and sacred. Your sisters, brothers, mother, father, and other relatives, pets, animals, and friends are sacred (holy) because they also are part of the One. So, for that matter, are dogs, cats, horses, and a wide spectrum of other creatures. This is why a truly enlightened person always stands up for animal rights and against barbarity and cruelty.
A "person" who knows that she is part of the One, the Mind, is no longer the same "person." (This word comes from the Latin persona, and means "mask.") So, we must ask, "Who is wearing the mask?"
It is your Soul, that part of your mind that existed before this life, and will continue to exist when this life is over. That Soul arises from the beautiful Love-mind, Godmind, or God.
When you realize this very deeply, you know that you are no longer merely human. You are still human, but now, you are "human-plus." [This is why many mystics, including Jesus (who was born as "Immanuel," changed their names. Paul did this, and so did Peter.]
Jesus probably referred to this symbolic identity-change. But there is also the possibility that he simply meant exactly what he said. Jesus is often over-explained; and he might well have meant that Nicodemas had to undergo another birth in a future life, as he was not going to grasp the truth during that one. For mystics believe that God never permanently loses a Soul, that no Soul is ever damaged beyond God's ability to save or recover it, through education.
*******
Thanks to Gary Kreme.
***
When Jesus told Nicodemas, "You must be born again," most scholars believe that he was speaking allegorically. To be "born again" is to embrace a new identity.
During the final aspects of her Godly life, the Christian becomes a "mystic." This is a person who realizes that her little mind is actually a part of a much vaster, more immense Mind-- the Mind of God. She then realizes that God is not like the old primitive Jehovah-- that God does not live above the clouds or in a mountain such as Sinai, but lives as the "indwelling Holy Spirit of Love" within her heart.
Mystics, in their writings, call the earthly identity the "ego." This is the name on your birth-certificate and/or driver's license. But, deep within your mind, you are so much more. Jesus came to, among other reasons, show us the Love of a fully enlightened (realized) human being. For he said that he would go forward into death, and then return, demonstrating that death was not the "end," but a phase along the great Way.
He said, The Father and I are one." (Jn. 10:30) But we have no other verses where he said that these words applied to only him. Mystics from all over the world, from every culture and century, believe that, like Jesus, they are also a part of the One, the Mind, Good, which is "truth" or "reality."
God is the vast, immense Mind that dwells at the very Center of all minds, and so, She is aware of whatever passes through any and all minds.
The material universe is a projection, dream, or virtual reality projected by this Mind. Therefore, nothing in the "material" world is absolutely "real." This is indicated by how material things always change, or fall apart (returning to dust), or both.
Only Mind is real. This means that all sentient (selfaware) beings are also real, and sacred. Your sisters, brothers, mother, father, and other relatives, pets, animals, and friends are sacred (holy) because they also are part of the One. So, for that matter, are dogs, cats, horses, and a wide spectrum of other creatures. This is why a truly enlightened person always stands up for animal rights and against barbarity and cruelty.
A "person" who knows that she is part of the One, the Mind, is no longer the same "person." (This word comes from the Latin persona, and means "mask.") So, we must ask, "Who is wearing the mask?"
It is your Soul, that part of your mind that existed before this life, and will continue to exist when this life is over. That Soul arises from the beautiful Love-mind, Godmind, or God.
When you realize this very deeply, you know that you are no longer merely human. You are still human, but now, you are "human-plus." [This is why many mystics, including Jesus (who was born as "Immanuel," changed their names. Paul did this, and so did Peter.]
Jesus probably referred to this symbolic identity-change. But there is also the possibility that he simply meant exactly what he said. Jesus is often over-explained; and he might well have meant that Nicodemas had to undergo another birth in a future life, as he was not going to grasp the truth during that one. For mystics believe that God never permanently loses a Soul, that no Soul is ever damaged beyond God's ability to save or recover it, through education.
*******
Troubled Relationship
*******
It looks, sadly, as if your relationship is going downhill, losing passion and the intensity necessary to maintain a good, normal, functional sexual relationship. I think that you need to have a very serious talk with Martha [pseudonym] about the dissolution of the relationship. You do not want to stay trapped in an unproductive,
unsatisfying relationship until you are too old to explore other options. Both of you need to decide together whether this relationship is worth preserving and repairing, or whether you both want to go your own ways.
One thing is certain: You cannot "keep a relationship going" by yourself; it must be a cooperative and shared effort. If she is unwilling to share the work of maintenance of the relationship (hugging, touching, sex), or if she simply does not want to do so, you must move on in the construction of a life that you find personally satisfying. You owe that not only to yourself, but to your child.
For the baby cannot possibly thrive in an emotionless or cold environment; that would be to do violence to her mind, or to her Soul, and she deserves better than that. If you wish to discuss the situation any further, you can call me, at (513-)737-LOVE (5683).
*******
It looks, sadly, as if your relationship is going downhill, losing passion and the intensity necessary to maintain a good, normal, functional sexual relationship. I think that you need to have a very serious talk with Martha [pseudonym] about the dissolution of the relationship. You do not want to stay trapped in an unproductive,
unsatisfying relationship until you are too old to explore other options. Both of you need to decide together whether this relationship is worth preserving and repairing, or whether you both want to go your own ways.
One thing is certain: You cannot "keep a relationship going" by yourself; it must be a cooperative and shared effort. If she is unwilling to share the work of maintenance of the relationship (hugging, touching, sex), or if she simply does not want to do so, you must move on in the construction of a life that you find personally satisfying. You owe that not only to yourself, but to your child.
For the baby cannot possibly thrive in an emotionless or cold environment; that would be to do violence to her mind, or to her Soul, and she deserves better than that. If you wish to discuss the situation any further, you can call me, at (513-)737-LOVE (5683).
*******
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Yellow Springs, Ohio: Some History
Thanks to Mick Gallagher.
***
*******
***
Yellow Springs, Ohio: You would love that ol' hippie hangout. Really laid back.... Rod Serling taught there, hung out at 'Ye Olde Tavern'--an old stagecoach stop between Columbus & Cinci. I was around ten then. Jonathan Winters,... his family owned a funeral home in Springfield, and he was an only child brat who also sulked around the olde Tavern [in]...say, the early 1960's. Neat place.... Dino's coffee shop [is] a lil dinky joint there.
*******
Monday, March 02, 2009
The Proposal
Thanks to Teresa Ramsey.
The Proposal
*******
*******
The Proposal
*******
When a company falls on difficult times, one of the things that happens is that it reduces its staff and workers. The remaining workers need to find ways to continue to do a good job or risk that their jobs would be eliminated as well. Wall street, and the media, normally congratulate the CEO for making this type of "tough decision"; and his board of directors gives him a big bonus.
Our government should not be immune from similar risks.
Therefore: Reduce the House of Representatives from the current 435 members to 218members; and [reduce also] Senate members from one hundred to fifty (one per state). Also reduce remaining staff by 25%.
Accomplish this over the next 8 years. [This would require] two steps/two elections) and, of course, this would require some redistricting.
Some Yearly Monetary Gains Include:
$44,108,400 for elimination of base pay for congress. (267 members X $165,200 pay/member/year.)
$97,175,000 for elimination of the above people's staff. (estimate $1.3 Million in staff per each member of the House, and $3 Million in staff per each member of the Senate every year)
$240,294 for the reduction in remaining staff by 25%.
$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork barrel ear-marks each year (those members whose jobs are gone; current estimates for total government pork earmarks are at $15 Billion/year)
The remaining representatives would need to work smarter and would need to improve efficiencies. It might even be in their best interests to work together for the good of our country?
We may also expect that smaller committees might lead to a more efficient resolution of issues as well. It might be even easier to keep track of what your representative is doing.
Congress has more tools available to do its jobs than it had back in 1911, when the current number of representatives was established. [This includes] telephone, computers, cellphones, to name a few.
Note: Congress did not hesitate to head home when it was a holiday, when the nation needed a real fix to the economic problems. Also, we have 3 senators that have not been doing their jobs for the past 18+ months (on the campaign trail) and still they all have been accepting full pay. These facts alone support a reduction in senators & congress.
Summary of opportunity:
$ 44,108,400 reduction of congress members.
$282,100, 000 for elimination of the reduced house member staff.
$150,000,000 for elimination of reduced senate member staff.
$59,675,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining house members.
$37,500,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining senate members.
$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork added to bills by the reduction of congress members.
____________________________________________________________
[These changes would result in a total of] $8,073,383,400 per year. This eight billion is just a start!
Big business does these types of cuts all the time.
If Congresspersons were required to serve 20, 25 or 30 years (like everyone else) in order to collect retirement benefits, there is no telling how much we would save. Now, they get full retirement after serving only ONE term.
If you are happy with how the Congress currently spends and wastes our taxes, then just delete this message. IF you are NOT at all happy, then I assume you know what to do!
*******
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Lovexpression
As the people of Love, our hearts motivate us to, and we vow to, love everyone-- without exception, including friends, enemies, and strangers.
In fact, Love is the most healing and joyful activity in the world! It is utterly fulfilling, for It is the reason that we were first created by ("emanated" from) the One, the only Mind in existence. Love moves us towards primal Union, or reunion, with the Mind of Love, or Godmind. So, Love is the key to fulfillment, satisfaction, and utter contentment.
Love is indescribably beautiful. It is what all human beings most deeply want to express, and to share, with other human beings, and with other creatures-- even with the Goddess (God) and the "angels. The world is starving for Love! (Someday, we will be challenged to share this same Love with extraterrestrials as well.)
So, Love is the most fun a human being can possibly have! It is as satisfying biologically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually as finding a glass of cold water when we are thirsty. Love alone fills the needs of the human Soul; nothing in the universe can replace It.
Although we know that all this is true, nevertheless, we must exercise caution in everyday Lovexpression. We can feel the infinite Love of God shining and glowing in our hearts. But we cannot always safely express It.
Why not? Why cannot the lover of all humanity express Love freely, hugging everyone, and telling her, "I love you"?
It is because of the dull and primitive, backwards and arrested, programming of society. For society, from poprock music to commercials, popularly programs people to believe that the word "Love" is, or should be, limited to sexual and/or romantic Love.
We who study agapology-- the art and science of Love-- know that Love can mean a wide spectrum of a million more things. But people are so mercilessly and incessantly, relentlessly programmed to see "Love" as romance or sex, you are very likely to be misunderstood if you express "Love" to a stranger. This is tragic, unfortunate, and very, very sad.
What it implies is that we all must exercise caution.
If we are not to end up being labeled, or taken to a mental hospital or police station, we must temper all our Lovexpressions with strangers. (Joyfully, we need not do this among the people of Love, who understand the many types and powerlevels of Love.)
In Greek, there are several words for "Love." One of them, the Greek eros, originally referred to Love as a cosmic force that held the cosmos together. It was eros that held hydrogen and oxygen together in water-molecules. But, in time, this word came to mean or to imply sexual or romantic Love.
And "erotophobia"-- the fear of sexual or romantic Love or involvement-- is quite common. So, in all Lovexpression, we show Love by respecting the boundaries and limitations of people. We are never controlled by their fears, but, out of kindness, must respect their sensitivities. This means that, although we withold no Love, we must, at times, withold Lovexpression: It is not always good or appropriate fully to express Love to a stranger; we must take a few steps back, and approach the matter with caution, so as never to be intrusive or invasive of the other's privacy.
*******
In fact, Love is the most healing and joyful activity in the world! It is utterly fulfilling, for It is the reason that we were first created by ("emanated" from) the One, the only Mind in existence. Love moves us towards primal Union, or reunion, with the Mind of Love, or Godmind. So, Love is the key to fulfillment, satisfaction, and utter contentment.
Love is indescribably beautiful. It is what all human beings most deeply want to express, and to share, with other human beings, and with other creatures-- even with the Goddess (God) and the "angels. The world is starving for Love! (Someday, we will be challenged to share this same Love with extraterrestrials as well.)
So, Love is the most fun a human being can possibly have! It is as satisfying biologically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually as finding a glass of cold water when we are thirsty. Love alone fills the needs of the human Soul; nothing in the universe can replace It.
Although we know that all this is true, nevertheless, we must exercise caution in everyday Lovexpression. We can feel the infinite Love of God shining and glowing in our hearts. But we cannot always safely express It.
Why not? Why cannot the lover of all humanity express Love freely, hugging everyone, and telling her, "I love you"?
It is because of the dull and primitive, backwards and arrested, programming of society. For society, from poprock music to commercials, popularly programs people to believe that the word "Love" is, or should be, limited to sexual and/or romantic Love.
We who study agapology-- the art and science of Love-- know that Love can mean a wide spectrum of a million more things. But people are so mercilessly and incessantly, relentlessly programmed to see "Love" as romance or sex, you are very likely to be misunderstood if you express "Love" to a stranger. This is tragic, unfortunate, and very, very sad.
What it implies is that we all must exercise caution.
If we are not to end up being labeled, or taken to a mental hospital or police station, we must temper all our Lovexpressions with strangers. (Joyfully, we need not do this among the people of Love, who understand the many types and powerlevels of Love.)
In Greek, there are several words for "Love." One of them, the Greek eros, originally referred to Love as a cosmic force that held the cosmos together. It was eros that held hydrogen and oxygen together in water-molecules. But, in time, this word came to mean or to imply sexual or romantic Love.
And "erotophobia"-- the fear of sexual or romantic Love or involvement-- is quite common. So, in all Lovexpression, we show Love by respecting the boundaries and limitations of people. We are never controlled by their fears, but, out of kindness, must respect their sensitivities. This means that, although we withold no Love, we must, at times, withold Lovexpression: It is not always good or appropriate fully to express Love to a stranger; we must take a few steps back, and approach the matter with caution, so as never to be intrusive or invasive of the other's privacy.
*******
The Poorest People in the World
Dearest Friends of the Heart,
As most of you know, Love Ministries has recently started the Love Ministries Federation. This is a Lovebased, cooperative communion of small, independent ministries which care for orphans in the poorest countries on earth.
Many of these orphans have had homes, brothers, sisters, and parents torn away from them through military violence. Some have had their homes, all possessions, pets, and even family-members burned before their little innocent eyes. This is in turn supported by greed, commercialism, and religious bigotry.
These do represent the poorest people on our little planet. The Way of Love is often marked by how we deal with strangers.
What is the very greatest, the most fundamental, gift that you can give to another?
It is the gift of continued life. We now have a great and wonderful opportunity to give to God's children this very special gift. For only the amount that you would pay for one cd, or one hamburger, you can make the ultimate difference between life and death, survival and perishing. We are accepting donations as small as three dollars.
So, we sincerely invite you to share the generosity that the universe has so kindly shared with you. Please join our friends this month (March 2009). So far, here is what we have received:
New Anonymous Donor: $50
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Friend from New Hampshire: $5
lmiusa: $100
Barb and Dale Siler: $100
______________________________________________________
Total 022709: $455.
***
Since we have six ministries in the Federation, i.e., Love Ministries of India, Love Ministries of Kenya, Love Ministries of Pakistan, Love Ministries of Rwanda, Love Ministries of Sierra Leone, and Love Ministries of Uganda, our goal for this month is $600. This will allow us to send only $100 to each. So, we still need $145, to give to each of our orphanages. So, please consult your heart and your checkbook, and give whatever you can. NOTE: Unlike the case with larger charities, in which 80% of funds might go to maintenance (offices, payment of workers and solicitors, phone-bills, electric bills, etc.), one hundred percent of all donations to Love Ministries Federation are guaranteed to go straight to the children in need. Thank you in advance for your Love and kindness.
Love, from the Heart,
shi and the staff of the Love Ministries Federation
As most of you know, Love Ministries has recently started the Love Ministries Federation. This is a Lovebased, cooperative communion of small, independent ministries which care for orphans in the poorest countries on earth.
Many of these orphans have had homes, brothers, sisters, and parents torn away from them through military violence. Some have had their homes, all possessions, pets, and even family-members burned before their little innocent eyes. This is in turn supported by greed, commercialism, and religious bigotry.
These do represent the poorest people on our little planet. The Way of Love is often marked by how we deal with strangers.
What is the very greatest, the most fundamental, gift that you can give to another?
It is the gift of continued life. We now have a great and wonderful opportunity to give to God's children this very special gift. For only the amount that you would pay for one cd, or one hamburger, you can make the ultimate difference between life and death, survival and perishing. We are accepting donations as small as three dollars.
So, we sincerely invite you to share the generosity that the universe has so kindly shared with you. Please join our friends this month (March 2009). So far, here is what we have received:
New Anonymous Donor: $50
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Anonymous: $20
Friend from New Hampshire: $5
lmiusa: $100
Barb and Dale Siler: $100
______________________________________________________
Total 022709: $455.
***
Since we have six ministries in the Federation, i.e., Love Ministries of India, Love Ministries of Kenya, Love Ministries of Pakistan, Love Ministries of Rwanda, Love Ministries of Sierra Leone, and Love Ministries of Uganda, our goal for this month is $600. This will allow us to send only $100 to each. So, we still need $145, to give to each of our orphanages. So, please consult your heart and your checkbook, and give whatever you can. NOTE: Unlike the case with larger charities, in which 80% of funds might go to maintenance (offices, payment of workers and solicitors, phone-bills, electric bills, etc.), one hundred percent of all donations to Love Ministries Federation are guaranteed to go straight to the children in need. Thank you in advance for your Love and kindness.
Love, from the Heart,
shi and the staff of the Love Ministries Federation
Goddess, Illumination, and "Feng Shui"
Once in a while, the Goddess of Love gives us great gifts. One example is the return of the Goddess of flowers in springtime. But a better example is a moment of "illumination."
Enlightenment usually occurs gradually, by the accumulation of moments of illumination. [In Zen, these are called ken-sho, while final enlightenment is called satori. (This is an equivalent of the state of samadhi mentioned in Hindu mystical literature.)]
An example of the Power of illumination is what occurred with you. From deep within, the Spirit directly taught you important lessons about not controlling-- a nucleus of Taoism; it also taught you about faith, trust, and the interior world-dreamer (Goddess) who, in the final analysis, controls everything, making it necessary for us to control nothing personally.
In Jesus' famous words, "live as little children," in the original language, the word did not mean "little children"; it meant "nursing infants."
So, enlightened people do not live like five-year-olds; instead, they live with the full trust and faith of an infant clinging to its mother. The infant relaxes, knowing that the mother knows where she is going, and trusting that she will carry the infant to a good place, not a harmful or dangerous one. This is very similar to the attitude towards the caring universe developed in enlightenment: It is a friendly and supportive universe, ruled by Love.
That is why, in the most "Taoist" of his many sermons, the famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells his followers to live as the flowers or the birds-- without fear, worry or control. God (Goddess) will take care of everything, and we need to trust, not to wrest control from God and try, like most people, to control the whole universe! (We are not up to the task, and are incapable of it.)
When we learn this important fact, that we do not and cannot control anything or anyone, for it is our responsibility to control only our responses, then a huge burden is lifted from our backs. Life becomes easy and pleasant, as we are no longer carrying this heavy weight.
We find that we can live with, and even enjoy, stillness. We do not always have to be "superbusy," which is a way of running from life. This arises from fear, and makes fear our master. Since fear is of the lower nature, alien to the higher, we become servants of the lower nature, eclipsing and hiding the higher nature of pure Love. Before long, negative habits take root, and we become spiritually unproductive, paralyzed and petrified. Our growth and development stop, "on hold," and no progress is made.
It is great that your own heartmind is actively growing, proved by your illumination.:)
When we see these truths, and feel them in the heart, we then revise our personal desire-structure. For, although desire promises heaven, it leads straight to various hellstates of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment. Tranquility disappears in the rush of hyperbusiness and leaves us clueless.
Spirituality takes time, energy, and attention. It happens only when and if we permit or allow it. But, like fine flowers, it requires active cultivation, and active attention. Also, like the flowers, it is natural and will grow if we give it a little time.
One way of improvement is that we begin to improve our environments, as mentioned in your correspondence. In an art called feng shui, pronounced "fung shway," we rid our lives of all clutter and excess.
For every item in your home either gives you energy or takes it away (draining you). So, it is necessary, and fun, always to surround ourselves with only items that we like or love. If we do this, every item will be energy-giving and energy-supporting, and will help us to combat fatigue, boredom, illness, and other unproductive or depressive states. So, try to decorate with sculptures, statues, paintings, fountains, chimes, music, and other items that you truly love, that speak
to your deeper Mind, that bring joy and satisfaction, tranquility and fun! This path, now respected worldwide, begins with the elimination of clutter. It means getting rid of anything that contributes to our sadness, and keeping only items that contribute to happiness. What could be more fun?:):)
Again, congratulations on your being open to interior revelations given by the Goddess of Love, for She always has much to say, but we have forgotten how to listen. Blessed is she who remembers how to listen.
Enlightenment usually occurs gradually, by the accumulation of moments of illumination. [In Zen, these are called ken-sho, while final enlightenment is called satori. (This is an equivalent of the state of samadhi mentioned in Hindu mystical literature.)]
An example of the Power of illumination is what occurred with you. From deep within, the Spirit directly taught you important lessons about not controlling-- a nucleus of Taoism; it also taught you about faith, trust, and the interior world-dreamer (Goddess) who, in the final analysis, controls everything, making it necessary for us to control nothing personally.
In Jesus' famous words, "live as little children," in the original language, the word did not mean "little children"; it meant "nursing infants."
So, enlightened people do not live like five-year-olds; instead, they live with the full trust and faith of an infant clinging to its mother. The infant relaxes, knowing that the mother knows where she is going, and trusting that she will carry the infant to a good place, not a harmful or dangerous one. This is very similar to the attitude towards the caring universe developed in enlightenment: It is a friendly and supportive universe, ruled by Love.
That is why, in the most "Taoist" of his many sermons, the famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells his followers to live as the flowers or the birds-- without fear, worry or control. God (Goddess) will take care of everything, and we need to trust, not to wrest control from God and try, like most people, to control the whole universe! (We are not up to the task, and are incapable of it.)
When we learn this important fact, that we do not and cannot control anything or anyone, for it is our responsibility to control only our responses, then a huge burden is lifted from our backs. Life becomes easy and pleasant, as we are no longer carrying this heavy weight.
We find that we can live with, and even enjoy, stillness. We do not always have to be "superbusy," which is a way of running from life. This arises from fear, and makes fear our master. Since fear is of the lower nature, alien to the higher, we become servants of the lower nature, eclipsing and hiding the higher nature of pure Love. Before long, negative habits take root, and we become spiritually unproductive, paralyzed and petrified. Our growth and development stop, "on hold," and no progress is made.
It is great that your own heartmind is actively growing, proved by your illumination.:)
When we see these truths, and feel them in the heart, we then revise our personal desire-structure. For, although desire promises heaven, it leads straight to various hellstates of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment. Tranquility disappears in the rush of hyperbusiness and leaves us clueless.
Spirituality takes time, energy, and attention. It happens only when and if we permit or allow it. But, like fine flowers, it requires active cultivation, and active attention. Also, like the flowers, it is natural and will grow if we give it a little time.
One way of improvement is that we begin to improve our environments, as mentioned in your correspondence. In an art called feng shui, pronounced "fung shway," we rid our lives of all clutter and excess.
For every item in your home either gives you energy or takes it away (draining you). So, it is necessary, and fun, always to surround ourselves with only items that we like or love. If we do this, every item will be energy-giving and energy-supporting, and will help us to combat fatigue, boredom, illness, and other unproductive or depressive states. So, try to decorate with sculptures, statues, paintings, fountains, chimes, music, and other items that you truly love, that speak
to your deeper Mind, that bring joy and satisfaction, tranquility and fun! This path, now respected worldwide, begins with the elimination of clutter. It means getting rid of anything that contributes to our sadness, and keeping only items that contribute to happiness. What could be more fun?:):)
Again, congratulations on your being open to interior revelations given by the Goddess of Love, for She always has much to say, but we have forgotten how to listen. Blessed is she who remembers how to listen.
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